RWC 2011 Roadshow
New Zealanders are invited to get a taste of the excitement of Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011), when the RWC 2011 Roadshow hits 27 towns and cities across the country through July.
The RWC 2011 Roadshow which kicks off on July 4 in Bluff, will be touring in a custom-designed truck, housing the Webb Ellis Cup and much more. The truck will open out into a 72 sq metre ‘events centre’ jam-packed with interactive displays and videos on Rugby World Cup history and legends.
Outside the truck, a marquee area will preview some of each region’s unique REAL New Zealand Festival events which will bring the country to life during September and October.
The truck has been painted in the Tournament’s distinctive mangopare and koru designs which symbolise the world coming together in union for Rugby’s showpiece Tournament.
Rugby New Zealand 2011 Chief Executive Martin Snedden says the Roadshow will create a real buzz in New Zealand communities.
“The RWC 2011 Roadshow will help show New Zealanders why this Tournament is so much bigger than just the Rugby. It’s going to be a lot of fun so I urge people to come along and get a taste of how special this event is going to be and how they can play a part.”
During the RWC 2011 Roadshow, New Zealanders will be able to have their photo taken with the Webb Ellis Cup, enjoy REAL New Zealand Festival events, win or buy RWC 2011 tickets, and find out how they can be part of the Tournament during September and October.
Director of the NZ 2011 Office Leon Grice says each stop on the RWC 2011 Roadshow will bring its own experience for New Zealand communities.
“From oyster shucking competitions, street performances and bands to Rugby culture and food festivals, the uniqueness of every New Zealand region will be on display through the Roadshow’s REAL New Zealand Festival events.
“This is a great chance for Kiwis everywhere to celebrate our extraordinary country, prepare to welcome our international visitors, and find out how to get involved in RWC 2011, whether or not their town is hosting matches.”
A different RWC 2011 visiting nation will be profiled on each weekday of the RWC 2011 Roadshow, encouraging communities to ‘adopt’ a visiting Rugby team, and support them and their fans while in New Zealand. The two best dressed fans at every location will win two RWC 2011 match tickets each.
“Whether it’s just by wearing their colours, learning their anthem or saying ‘hi’ in their language, adopting a second team is a simple and fun way to be part of the Roadshow and the Tournament itself,” says Leon Grice.
Follow the RWC 2011 Roadshow at www.rugbyworldcup.com/roadshow and www.nz2011.govt.nz/get-involved
Anna Thomson, Communications Manager, NZ 2011 Office 021 242 6918, anna.thomson@nz2011.govt.nz Sally Woodfield, REAL New Zealand Festival Publicist 021 868 020, sally.woodfield@nz2011.govt.nz Freya Barnes, Communications Advisor,
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The New Zealand 2011 Office (NZ 2011) is part of the Ministry of Economic Development and works closely with RNZ 2011 Ltd – the Rugby World Cup Tournament organisers. The Office is responsible for delivering the Government’s leverage plans for 2011, and its focus areas include the coordination of a nationwide festival, and a business engagement programme involving the NZ 2011 Business Club, a sector showcasing programme and the NZ 2011 Government Ambassadors Programme.
The Rugby World Cup (RWC) is one of the world's premier sports events. It will be the largest sporting event ever held in New Zealand and as such, the potential short‐term and long‐term benefits to be gained from hosting it are significant.
The tournament is expected to attract over 85,000 international supporters as well as international media personnel and corporate/VIP guests. With an expected worldwide television audience of around 4 billion, New Zealand will be in the international spotlight for a substantial period of time and will have unprecedented international exposure.The Government is determined to make the most of this opportunity to showcase everything New Zealand does well. As well as economic benefits, there are also significant social and cultural benefits to be gained from hosting an event of this scale. This will be a chance for us to showcase our Kiwi culture and hospitality. It is an opportunity to bring communities together with a shared and valued goal, and celebrate all that is special about being a New Zealander.
